Lillian Mae Apel

Heaven's arms were open wide and welcomed home a sweet angel today. Lillian Mae Apel, 96, passed away peacefully at home on Memorial Day May 26, 2014.

She was born April 3, 1918 to Noah and Nancy Bentley in Pocatello. She met her life long love, Melvin Julius Apel in 1935 and the couple married a year later on March 17, 1936. The two were blessed with five children Joyce, Sharon, Idella, Melvin, known as Sonny (Marilyn) and Sandra (Buzz). They spent their 69 years of marriage together in Pocatello and were well known for their breathtaking exquisite dancing connection, that so often cleared the dance floor.

She was a stay at home hard working mom and a devoted wife. She hosted many family holiday dinners thru the years. After Daddy's retirement they enjoyed fishing, boating, and traveling to Phoenix each winter to soak up the sun. Mom was excited to leave behind the cold winters of Idaho but the true silver lining was being close to her son and his family.

We know mom reached for Daddy's hand and they had the best dance of their life as they were united on his BIRTHDAY!!!

Mae had 15 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren and 25 great great grandchildren. She is survived by 3 of their 5 children. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, 2 daughters, a brother and 2 sisters.

Funeral Services will be Saturday May 31, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Manning-Wheatley Funeral Chapel 510 N. 12th Ave. Pocatello, Idaho. There will be a viewing 1 hour prior to services. Interment will be in Restlawn Memorial Gardens. Arrangements are under the care of Manning-Wheatley Funeral Chapel.

We would like to extend a special thanks to Kelly and Lisa of Hospice Alliance for their loving and gentle care of our sweet mother and grandmother. Thank You.